As is often the case, the first few witnesses in a trial are called to set groundwork for what is to come. But even in that, 19 Action News learned that there were early clues that something was wrong on Imperial Avenue, and that there were family rifts developing over accused serial killer Anthony Sowell.

All of the witnesses did not want to be photographed. So 19 Action News got a long look at Sowell's reactions to what was said.

As his stepmother's mother was asked to identify him, he stood. The 89-year-old warmly greeted him.

The hint of trouble in the family came from Sowell's half brother, who said Anthony had stopped paying rent to his stepmom for his third floor dwelling, and she was getting ready to have him evicted, but she became ill and was hospitalized. Her mother was on the stand and told jurors that another grandson told her he had visited the home and reported odors.

"Oh, a long time ago. It started....from 2004 and up...2005. I don't remember the exact date but it was a very, very bad smell," Tayeh said. "So I walked to the dumpster I open it and the smell is so bad and I saw like a garbage bag with duct tape and I close it very fast."

Tayeh said he also sold Sowell heavy-duty garbage bags.

Sowell faces the death penalty if convicted of murdering eleven women. The bodies of the victims were found in and around Sowell's Imperial Avenue home in late 2009.

A group of ministers hope to make a decision tonight on what to do with the property where Anthony Sowell killed 11 women. The Mount Pleasant Ministerial Alliance will meet with relatives of the victimsMore >>

A group of ministers hope to make a decision Thursday night on what to do with the property where Anthony Sowell killed 11 women.More >>

Arguments have just been filed with the state Supreme Court to save the life of serial killer Anthony Sowell.More >>

Arguments have just been filed with the state Supreme Court to save the life of serial killer Anthony Sowell. Sowell killed 11 women, kept the bodies in and around his home, and he now sits on death row.More >>

A social worker speaks with News 4 about why she believes the state needs to reform its Safekeeper Law. Under the law, those awaiting trial in county jails across the state can be moved to a state prison if that jail cannot treat an inmate's medical condition.

A social worker speaks with News 4 about why she believes the state needs to reform its Safekeeper Law. Under the law, those awaiting trial in county jails across the state can be moved to a state prison if that jail cannot treat an inmate's medical condition.

A mother and her six-year-old daughter were transported to the hospital after a man crashed his pickup truck into their home early Saturday morning. The incident occurred on Horn Tavern Road in Fairview. Tennessee Highway Patrol officers are currently searching for the suspect, who ran from the scene on foot.

A mother and her six-year-old daughter were transported to the hospital after a man crashed his pickup truck into their home early Saturday morning. The incident occurred on Horn Tavern Road in Fairview. Tennessee Highway Patrol officers are currently searching for the suspect, who ran from the scene on foot.

Airline employee Denice Miracle is credited with saving two teenage girls from a human trafficking plot. She said she first noticed something was wrong when the girls approached the check-in counter with their bags -- but no ID.

Airline employee Denice Miracle is credited with saving two teenage girls from a human trafficking plot. She said she first noticed something was wrong when the girls approached the check-in counter with their bags -- but no ID.

Minutes from meetings attended by the executive director of the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency show he was not in attendance, yet he received per diem, reimbursement of gas mileage and hotels in order to attend those meetings.

Minutes from meetings attended by the executive director of the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency show he was not in attendance, yet he received per diem, reimbursement of gas mileage and hotels in order to attend those meetings.